S.1464 - Buffalo Tract Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Buffalo Tract Protection Act, introduced as S. 1464 in the Senate, seeks to withdraw approximately 4,288 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in New Mexico from mineral development. The bill aims to protect the land, identified as Tracts A, B, C, and D on the "Placitas, New Mexico Area Map," from mining, mineral leasing, and geothermal leasing activities. While restricting mineral development, the Act allows the Secretary of the Interior to convey the surface estate of the land under specific conditions, including the reservation of the mineral estate to the United States.
Expected Effects
The Act's primary effect would be to prevent new mineral extraction activities on the designated land. This could preserve the environmental integrity of the area. The land could potentially be used for other purposes, such as recreation or conservation, if the surface estate is conveyed.
Potential Benefits
- Environmental Protection: Protects 4,288 acres from potential environmental damage caused by mineral development.
- Conservation: Allows for the potential conservation of the land for future generations.
- Recreational Opportunities: Could open up possibilities for increased recreational use if the surface estate is conveyed.
- Preservation of Natural Beauty: Maintains the aesthetic value of the Placitas, New Mexico area.
- Supports Local Ecosystems: Helps preserve habitats and biodiversity within the designated tracts.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Economic Impact: Restricts potential economic benefits from mineral extraction, such as job creation and revenue generation.
- Reduced Access to Resources: Limits access to potentially valuable mineral resources that could be used for energy production or other industries.
- Potential for Land Use Restrictions: May limit future land use options if the surface estate is not conveyed or if restrictions are placed on its use.
- Increased Dependence on Other Sources: Could increase reliance on mineral resources from other areas, potentially impacting national security and energy independence.
- Loss of Potential Revenue for the State: Reduced mineral extraction could lead to decreased revenue for the state of New Mexico through royalties and taxes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power to manage federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The Act's focus on land management falls within the scope of legislative authority granted by the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).